Saxman Totem Park facts for kids
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Saxman Totem Park
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 Location in Alaska
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| Location | 2660 Killer Whale Avenue, Saxman, Alaska |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1939 |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003758 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 7, 1979 |
Saxman Totem Park is a special outdoor museum in the city of Saxman, Alaska. It's located just south of Ketchikan in beautiful southeastern Alaska. This park is famous for its amazing collection of totem poles. These tall, carved poles tell stories and represent important history.
Some of the totem poles in the park are very old. They were moved here from villages that the Tlingit people no longer lived in. Other poles were carefully rebuilt by skilled Tlingit carvers. This work happened in the 1930s with help from a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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Discover Saxman Totem Park
Saxman Totem Park is a five-acre park. It's a wonderful place to learn about the culture and art of the Tlingit people. The park was officially recognized as a historic place in 1979. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important site for American history and culture.
What Are Totem Poles?
Totem poles are tall, carved wooden monuments. They are created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. These poles are not worshipped. Instead, they tell stories, show family history, or honor important events. Each carving on a pole has a special meaning. They often show animals, people, or mythical beings.
A Look Back in Time: How the Park Began
The totem poles at Saxman come from several old Tlingit villages. These include Old Tongass, Cat Island, Village Island, Pennock Island, and Fox Village. In the 1930s, many of these old poles were falling apart.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped save them. The CCC was a program in the United States that put young men to work. They helped restore natural resources and build parks. In Saxman, the CCC hired Tlingit carvers. These artists either repaired old poles or carved new ones. They used traditional designs and stories. One special item found and moved here is a marble statue of a grizzly bear.
Meet the Totem Poles!
The park is home to many unique totem poles and monuments. Each one has its own story and history. Here is a list of some of the amazing poles and carvings you can see:
- Sun and Raven
- Raven and Frog
- Tired-Wolf House Posts
- The Beaver Posts
- The Blackfish Pole
- Klawak Blackfish Fin
- The Frog Tree
- Grizzly Bear Monument
- Kats and his Bear Wife
- The Lincoln Totem
- Secretary of State Pole
- Raven Pole
- The Grizzly Bear Post
- The Loon Tree
- Owl Memorial
- Pointing Figure
- Giant Rock Oyster Pole
- Memorials of Eagle Tail House
- Dogfish Totem
